Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 8845, John Gevedann, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
La.
Geredann, John
N. 8845
or Gervidon
or Gervandin
CONTENTS
Mary

2207 Kentucky
John Geredann of Henry Co. in the State of Kentucky who was a private in the comd commanded by Captain Miller of the reg t commanded by Col. May in the Virginia line for 13 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 12 Dollars 50 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 7 day of October 1883 and upon R. W. Johnson
Arrears to the 4th of Sept r 125.00 Semi-ann. allowance ending March 25.00 $150.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Dan Boyd Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 7 Page 11

Kentucky
3008
Mary Gerdon widow of John Gerdon who was a Private in the Virginia line for 15 months
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 50 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30th day of Nov. 1843. and sent to
Thos. Robertson, New Castle, Ky.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book 2 Vol. 1 Page 169.
Let to J. Robertson March 27, 1849
Supp Nov 30

John Live daim
Revolutionary Claim
John Live daim
He is that John Live daim who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War

Dear Joseph Lactore
State of Kentucky § set
Kings County
Henry County 13 per On this 06 th day of August 1833 personally appeared before William McBrackin a Justice of the peace in and for said County of Henry Ky. and one of the Justices of the Henry County Court John Corcoran a resident of the said County of Henry in the State of Kentucky aged 77 years who from bodily infirmity cannot attend the proper court to make his declaration and who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following de- -claration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 the United States under the follow-
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers and served as herein stated that is to say being a resident of Buckingham County in the State of Virginia he did in the month of Octr. - in the year 1776 as well as he remembers enter the service of the United States as a drafted militia man and private soldier upon a tour of three months in the Company of Capt. Miller - that he rendezvoused with his company at the Courthouse in the said County of Buckingham and there came under the command of Col. May as well as he now remembers and was marched from thence to Williamsburg Virginia and was there kept as a part of the Garrison of that place during his whole tour of three months, as aforesaid and after having fully and faithfully served out the same he was discharged and returned home -
and the same he was discharged and the further states and declares that in the month of Septm in the year 1777 as well as he now remembers he again entered the service of the United States as a private soldier and drafted Militia man upon a tour of three months in the company of Capt. Williams's Co. - that he rendezvoused with his said Com- -pany at the Courthouse in the said County of Buckingham and was again attached to the regiment commanded by Col. May - that he was marched with his company from said place of rendezvous to Albemarle Barracks where he was kept stationed during the whole of his tour of three months as above named in guarding some British prisoners and he was there at the time of the and he served out his said tour fully and faithfully and at the termination thereof was discharged and returned home
He further states and declares that afterward in the month of August in the year 1879 as well as he remembers he again entered the service of the United States as a private soldier and drafted Militia man in the company of Capt Patterson - upon a tour of three months - that he also again met his company at

the Courthouse in the said County of Buckingham Va. and there was attached to the regiment of Col. Cooper - that he was marched with his said Company from their said place of rendezvous im- -mediately to Cabbins Point a place not far distant from Chicka- homing Swamp Va. and James River - that he was there kept stationed during the whole of his said tour and at the termi- -nation thereof he was discharged and returned home He further states and declares that in the month of July in the year 1780 he again entered the service of the United States as a drafted Militia Man and private soldier in the Company of Capt. M. Patten upon a tour of three months - that he re- -venced with his Company again at the Courthouse in Buck- -ingham County Va. where several other Companies at the same time met that he there came under the command of Col. May - that he was marched from there towards Petersburg and afterwards to the point of Forks and was kept in the service actively em- -ployed until the expiration of his tour - that his services were principally upon James River and he was engaged in several skirmishes some of them quite severe against the British. He states that the Baron Steuben was his General at the time and the operations of the troops were under his direction - He states that he then continued in the service till the expiration of his tour and was then discharged & returned home
He further states and declares that in the month of July in the year 1781 as well as he remembers he again entered the service of the United States as a drafted Militia Man and private soldier upon another tour of three months in the Compa- -ny of Capt. Moseley that he again rendezvoused with his Company at the Courthouse in Buckingham County Va. that he was attached to the regiment of Col. Cooper - and the major name was Boyce - that he was attached to the Brigade of Genl. Lawson - that he was marched from his said place of Rendezvous that towards Charlottesville and was finally marched down towards Little York and not a great way from that place joined the main Army - that he continued with the main Army and assisted in all the fatigue and labour and privations of the siege of that place and until the surrender of the British - that he continued in the service till his tour expired which happened soon after the siege of that place and was then discharged and returned home
He states that he is old and infirm and his memory has in

consequence thereof failed him greatly; but from his present best recollection he did not serve less than five tours of three months each making fifteen months served as a private soldier during the revolutionary war and for that service he claims a pension. He states that he has no documentary evidence of his service & that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
John his  X Gervedann mark
Interrogatories put to the above named applicant John Gervedann by the said William McCrackin justice of the peace and member of the Army Court as aforesaid.
1 st Where, and in what year were you born? Answer I was born in Buckingham County Virginia in the year 1756 according to my information.
2 d Have you any record of your age; and if so where is it? Answer I have none. It has been lost.
3 d Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the revolutionary war and where do you now live?
Answer I lived in Buckingham County Virginia when I was called into the service and there continued to live principally until the year 1823 when I moved to Shelby County Ky. Where I lived for three years and then moved to Henry County Ky. Where I have resided ever since.
4 th How were you called into service; were you drafted did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? and if a substitute for whom?
Answer I was drafted.
5 th State the names of some of the regular officers who were with the troops where you served; such continental and militia regiments as you can recollect and the general circumstances of your service.
Answer I recollect Genl. Washington, La Fayette & Steuben of the regulars & Col. Posey also of the regulars - I recollect Genl. Lawson and Col. May, Cooper & Williams who were were of the militia. In my first tour I was kept stationed at Williamsburg Virginia during the whole period - In my second tour I was kept stationed at Albemarle Barracks guarding some British prisoners,

In my third tour I was stationed as a garrison at Cabbin Point In my fourth tour I served under Genl. Shelburn at the point of forks and along the Potomac river against the British and was engaged in some skirmishing with them: in my fifth tour I served at the siege of York and was present at the Cap- =ture of Cornwallis
6th Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so by whom was it given and what has become of it Answer. I received discharges which were signed by my Cap- =tains and which I have lost
7th State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighbourhood and who can testify as to your Character for veracity and their belief of your services as a sol- =dier of the Revolution
Answer I will name Stephen Powers & William McBracken as persons to whom I am known
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
This John X Givedann Mark
We Stephen Powers & William McBracken being residents of Henry County in the State of Kentucky hereby cer- =tify that we are well acquainted with John Givedann who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be 77 years of age; that he is reputed and believed in the neighbourhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and we concur in that opinion. And we further certify that the said John Givedann is so infirm in body that he cannot attend the proper Court to make his declaration
Sworn to and subscribed the day & year aforesaid
Stephen Powers
William McBracken
And I the said William McBracken Justice of the peace as afore- -said and one of the Justices of the Henry County Court Ky do hereby declare my opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the Interrogatories prescribed by the War department that the said John Givedann the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states - And I further certify that Stephen Powers & William McBracken - who have signed the preceding certificate are residents of Henry County Ky. and are credible persons and that their statements are entitled to credit. And I also further certify that there is no

Clergyman residing in the neighbourhood of the said John Levickann and that from his infirmity of body he cannot attend the proper Court to make his declaration
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 26 day of August 1833. William McCrackin Jr
State of Kentucky Henry County ss 3/ct
I Edward P. Thomas, clerk of the Court of Henry County in the State of Kentucky hereby certify that William McCrackin whose name appears to the preceding certificate was at the date thereof and still is a Justice of the peace in and for the county of Henry and one of the Justices of the Court of which I am clerk and that the preceding signature pur- porting to be his is his genuine signature and that the foregoing proceedings were presented to me in my office as the the original proceedings had in the case therein mentioned by the said Justice. In testimony whereof I have hereunto
set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 9 th day of Sept r
1833
Edward P. Thomas
Clerk of Henry County Court

3631
Mary Gervida widow of John Ke
Act 7 July 1838
admitted
P 50
died 17 May 1835
L. Todd Frankfort Ky

State of Kentucky Henry County 355
On This 18 th day of September 1838 personally appeared before John Chilton a Justice of the peace in and for Henry County Kentucky, Mary Geridon a resident of Kentucky, in the county of Henry, aged seventy four years who, being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows." That she is the widow of John Geridon who was a private in the army of the revolution in the military service this declarant will not however undertake to state the particulars of the service of her husband as he the said John Geridon made a declaration under the act of Congress of June 7 th 1832 and under said act was allowed a pension of Fifty dollars per annum She will refer the department to his declaration and has no doubt but what they will be satisfied as to his service — She further declares that she was married to the said John Geridon on the day of January in the year Seventeen hundred and

Eighty four according to her best recollection and the age of her eldest son - in Goochland county State of Virginia - that her husband the aforesaid John Geridon died on the 17 th day of April in the year eighteen hundred and thirty five: that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, Seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time above stated.
She would further state that she has no family record of her marriage with the said John Geridon that she was married in the said county of Goochland by a Minister of the Gospel very soon after the close of the war, that her eldest son was born in the year Seventeen hundred and eighty five according to her best recollection - She would further state that she is unable to attend in open court by reason of bodily infirmity, that she was thrown from a horse not long since which disabled her entirely from attending in open court in her county to make the declaration required. This declarant would further state that the small amount which her husband drew will be of great use and benefit to her in her old age.
Mary his Geridon mark
Seal

State of Kentucky, Shelby County, } ss
I John Chilton a Justice of the peace in and for Henry County, Kentucky, do certify, that this day came in person before me Mary Geridon widow of John Geridon who subscribed and was sworn to the foregoing declaration - and who I further certify, is unable to attend in open court to make her declaration by reason of bodily infirmity, Given under my hand this 18 of September 1838
John Chilton J.P.
State of Kentucky, Henry County, } ss
The affidavit of Shadrack M Geridon taken in Henry county, Kentucky, on the day of September 1838
This affiant who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following statements
That he is the son of John

Geridon and Mary his wife that to the best of his knowledge and belief he was born in the year Seven teen hundred and Eighty five - that from his earliest recollection he always understood from his parents that they were married about the close of the revolutionary war - that his father drew a pension before his death that his mother is still living and has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband the said John Geridon Shadrack B. Geridon 
State of Kentucky Henry County 355
I John Chilton a Justice of the peace in and for said County do certify that this day came in person before me Shadrack B. Geridon who subscribed and was sworn to the foregoing affidavit - and who I further certify is a person of good standing and whose statements are entitled to credit Given under my hand this 18 th day of September 1838 John Chilton pp

State of Kentucky Henry County, Sss
The affidavits of taken in Henry county,
Kentucky, on the 18 th day of September 1838 These affiants who being first duly sworn according to law and being of lawful age depose and say that they, & were well acquainted with John Gerridon who was reputed to have been a soldier of the revolution - and who departed this life about the year 1835 - leaving a widow Mary Gerridon who is still living - and has remained a widow ever since the death of her husband the said John Gerridon, and further these affiants sayeth not -
Bayfield Forster George Charles (seal)
State of Kentucky Henry County, Sss
I John Chilton a Justice of the peace in and for Henry county Kentucky do certify that this day came in person before me

Barzella Brown & George Clarke who subscribed and was sworn to the foregoing affidavits and who I further certify are credible persons and whose statements are entitled to credit Given under my hand this 18 th day of September 1838
John Chilton m
State of Kentucky Henry County 3
I Edmund P Thomas Clerk of the County Court of Henry County Kentucky do certify that John Chilton is a Justice of the peace in and for Henry County Kentucky and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are Genuine
In Testimony whereof
I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said office this 21 st day of September 1838
Edmund P Thomas C By Wm Thomas Jr

Know all men by these presents that we John Govedann and Drury Mims are held and firmly bound unto the Executive power of this state in the just sum of fifty pounds current money of Virginia to the payment of which we bind ourselves, our heirs executors & jointly and severally firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this thirty first January One thousand seven hundred eighty five.
The condition of the above obligation is such that if there is no lawfull cause to obstruct a marriage intended to be had and solemnized between the above bound John Govedann & Mary Mims, then this obligation to be void or else to remain in full force and virtue.
Sealed and delivered in presents of
G. Payne
John Govedann Seal
Drury Mims Seal
State of Virginia, Goochland County ss.
I William Miller clerk of the County court of said County of Goochland, do certify that the above is a true copy of bond given by John Govedann & Drury Mims & filed in my Office with the exception of the date, which is expressed on the face of the bond in fair legible figures as follows, "31 st January 1785." and I William Miller above named depose and say that I hold the Office of Clerk of the County Court of Goochland County & State aforesaid, and that the above is a true copy of the bond filed among the records of said Court with the exception above named as certified by me. Given under my hand this 13 th day of November 1838.
William Miller, Clerk of the County Court of Goochland County -
Sworn to before me,
Benjamin Anderson Justice of the Peace.

State of Virginia, Goochland County ss.
I William Miller Clerk of the County Court of said County of Goochland in the state aforesaid, do certify that Benjamin Anderson gentleman, before whom William Miller made oath to the foregoing Certificate was then now is an acting Justice of the Peace in and for said County and is duly authorized by law to administer Oaths, and that the signature purporting to be his is genuine.
In attestation of which I have hereunto set my hand and annexed my seal of office this 14 th day of November in the year of our Lord 1838, and in the 63 rd year of the Commonwealth.
Wm. Miller C. S. C.
1 Nov 1838 K

I see nothing more in relation to the Marriage of John Gervason with Mary Hims; there is a very old man here (Ben. Woodward) may possibly know something about it W. Miller

John Guedann Henry County, Kentucky.
from 1776 private 15 months. $50.
Hon. R. M. Johnson Great + Eng. Kentucky.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will shew what is necessary to be done. Those points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, shewing the Service of John Gjevedann
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1776 3 R. Capt Miller Col May 77 Va   1777 3 " Capt Ward Col May   1779 3 " Capt Patterson Col Cooper   1780 3 " Capt Perkins Col May   1781 3 " Capt Mosely Col Cooper  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c, Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }
On this day of personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of in the county of and State, Territory or District of aged (c) years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d), with and served in the (e) regiment of the line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. [This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.
I of the Court of do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this day of &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the and C. D. residing in (the same), who has hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, Clerk of the Court of do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this day of &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services.  6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given; and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it?  7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state that they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must fix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and time to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [e] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[m] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[n] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.

copy  WIDOW, &c.  on
File No. 8845
Mary Gervidon Wid. of John Gervidon Pitt Road line
Act: Mch. 3 rd 1873
Index:—Vol. A , Page 268
[Arrangement of 1870.]

John Grevens Rev. $50, Act 7 June 1832 to what time paid?
Pen offic
Since 17 th May 1835 to to that period
April 19. 1839
LA

Kentucky 2465
Mary Gervidon widow of John Gervidon decd.
who was a pensioner under the Act of 7 June 1832, and who died on the 17 May 1835 in of Henry Co in the State of Kentucky who was a priv. in the Co. commanded by Captain Miller of the regt commanded by Col May in the Virginia line for 15 months.
Inscribed on the Roll of Kentucky at the rate of 50 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 22 day of Apr 1839 and sent to S. Todd, Frankfort, Kentucky.
Arrears to the 4th of Mar 1839 $150.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept '39 25.00
$175.00
{ Act July 7, } 1838.
Recorded by D. M. Gundy, Clerk, Book A. Vol. 2. Page 211.

3429
Mary Geridon
$50 per an
$50
Thos. Robertson New-castle, Kew

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress on the 3 rd of March 1843 granting pensions for one Year to certain Widows who have received pensions under the Act of July 7 th 1838
State of Kentucky County of Henry } ss.
On this 5 th day of July 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber (John Chilton) a Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Mary Gervason, a resident of Henry County, aged 76 Years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the 3 rd March 1843, granting pensions to Widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary War that she is the Widow of John Gervason, who was a Private in the Militia in the Army of the Revolution, and that she received Fifty Dollars per annum, under the Act of July 7 th 1838. She further declares she is still a Widow. Sworn and Subscribed on the day and year above written
Mary her X Gervason mark
I John Chilton, a Justice of the Peace in the County of Henry and State of Kentucky testify that I am personally acquainted with Mary Gervason, and know her to be the Widow of John Gervason deceased and that she drew a pension of fifty Dollars per annum under the Act of July the 7 th 1838 given under my hand at the residence of Mary Gervason this 5 th day of July 1843. I certify the word testify was intended John Chilton

State of Kentucky
Henry County ss
J. Edw. P. Thomas clerk of the County Court for said County do Certify that John Blanton who has certified as above & within is a Justice of the Peace for said County of Henry: and that his Signature is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 17 July 1843
Edw. Thomas

Rev: 3631 Dec 6 7 May '98 Mrs. Gordon
Elaine
Rev. C. G. G. G. Smith Washington 3333 2333 Washington City D.C.

Frankfort Ky Nov 29 th 1838
Enclosed is the pension claim of Mrs. Gordon - Please examine the same and inform me at the above place
I am Respectfully Your
ob t Serv t
Hon. J. S. Edwards
Washington City D.C.
Sam d . Todd